Matt Dussin is up to the task

MATT Dussin never imagined he would be captaining Myrtleford as a 21-year-old.

But many at the McNamara Reserve clearly had a differing view on the youngster they believe had leadership written all over him from an early age.

Dussin led the Alpine Eag-les into the under-18 grand final against Wodonga Raiders in 2010 and, after cutting in teeth in senior football for three seasons, was promoted to the top job this season when Matt Spencer returned to Western Australia.

Luke Chapman, Andy Carey, Ben Beams, Brad Murray and Chad Rigoni have held the position since 2002.

Chapman said he wasn’t surprised by the appointment of the youngest captain he could remember in his time at Myrtleford.

“I don’t think it would have been a massive surprise to many people,” Chapman said.

“He’s a smart young bloke, has come up through the junior sides at Myrtleford and captained the under-18s and has really been our Mr Fix It since he came into the senior side a few years ago.

“He’ll do a good job.”

While Dussin has had a tough initiation with Myrtleford losing a hard-fought clash to Wodonga Raiders before being mauled by Lavington, the backman says he’s up for the challenge with the help of a good support cast.

“I’m working into it,” he said.

“I have got a lot to learn but I’m lucky to have two coaches (Brad Murray and Leigh Corcoran) and some other experienced players around like Skinny (Ben McIntyre), Jarrod Hayse and Hayden Murray to call on.

“They have been great.”

Myrtleford and Wangaratta will be desperate to open their winning account at McNamara Reserve today with the Magpies’ chances bolstered by the return of Jamie Allan, David Thayer, Luke Mullins and Aaron Braden.

The Saints need a greater spread of contributors.

“All the boys are keen to bounce back,” Dussin said.

“A lot has been written about both sides playing for their seasons and, while I don’t think that is right with 14 or 15 games to go, we definitely see it as a big game.”